Local doctor performs new procedure

A heart doctor at Cardiovascular Institute of the South was the first doctor in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to perform a new type of aneurysm repair.

Nikki BuskeyStaff Writer

A heart doctor at Cardiovascular Institute of the South was the first doctor in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to perform a new type of aneurysm repair.Dr. Peter Fail of Houma installed the first fenestrated endograft for the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm on May 31 at Terrebonne General Medical Center.The fenestrated endograft is a unique stent, or a mesh tube, that is specially designed for each patient based on a precise imagery which indicates exact placement. The stent has custom-positioned holes to ensure proper blood flow through the aorta, kidneys and nearby organs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the walls of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body, weaken and become enlarged, leading to potential rupture. It can often be deadly, but when detected, the typical treatment involves putting a stent in the aorta to protect the weak spot from the pressure of blood flow. While this repair has been effective, some patients whose aneurysm is in a high-risk area may only have the option of major surgery, or no repair at all.“This new technology offers an option for patients,” Fail said.Benefits of the new technique include a faster recovery time and fewer complications than traditional surgery.